David K.B. Cole was born in Monrovia, Liberia, and raised in Pullman, Washington, and Amherst, Massachusetts. He attended Williams College, where he played goalie for the Ephmen, majored in studio art, and drummed in several bands. After graduating in 1984, David moved to New York City and began his coaching career at Joe Espinosa Sports Club in 1991. He then spent 11 years in the NHL, leading the Fan Development Departments for both the Tampa Bay Lightning and the Atlanta Thrashers. In 2009, Coach Cole relocated to Minneapolis, where he spent 15 years coaching at various high schools as both a head coach and a goalie coach. He also worked with youth hockey associations and St. Olaf College. In September 2024, he joined TPH Academy and the Nashville Jr. Predators as the Player Development Coach and Goaltending Coach. David is an active member of USA Hockey’s Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Committee, a Level 5 USA Hockey coach, and a retired USA Hockey tenured official. He and his wife, Janet, live in West Nashville, TN, while their daughter, Marisa, works as a nurse in Orlando, FL.

Coach Noah is a graduate of Middle Tennessee State University (MTSU), where he also played collegiate hockey. He is entering his fourth season with the organization. Noah brings a strong understanding of the game and a commitment to player development as he continues to grow within the Nashville Jr. Predators coaching staff.

Coach Max played and graduated from John Carroll University before beginning his coaching career with the Jr. Preds. He started as an assistant coach and later served as Head Coach for the 12U AA team during the 2023–24 and 2024–25 seasons. The 2026–27 season marks his fifth year with NJP.

Coach Mike is entering his fourth season with the Preds program, bringing a wealth of coaching experience from his time on Long Island, NY. He and his wife, Jacki, are deeply involved in the Nashville hockey community—Jacki currently serves as the skating coach for both the Nashville Predators and Milwaukee Admirals.

Coach TJ has been a key part of the Preds youth coaching staff since 2019, working across the Nashville Predators grassroots, house, scholastic, and travel programs. His commitment to the growth of the game and his players makes him the ideal fit for our 16U A1 team. TJ is entering his second season with NJP.